Cross-Utilization: How Smart Chefs Do More with Less

Cross-Utilization: How Smart Chefs Do More with Less

Versatile ingredients like mashed potatoes are a chef’s best friend for menu development. In fact, 89% of operators say they’re more likely to adopt an ingredient if it can be used in more than one way.¹ It’s easy to see why—cross utilization saves time, reduces waste, and keeps your kitchen running smoothly. And with mashed potatoes, you have a cost-effective, versatile ingredient that serves as a canvas for creativity across your menu.

The Right Ingredients Are Good Business

Running a profitable back-of-house means maximizing the ingredients you already have. Did you know cross-utilization can boost profit margins by 2-3% and reduce food waste by up to 30%? When you leverage versatile ingredients, you can buy in bulk, minimize spoilage, and streamline prep. That translates to lower food costs, simpler menus, and easier staff training. Better yet, choose a beloved food that’s quick to prep and incorporate across your menu.

Mashed Potatoes: Your Kitchen’s Unsung Hero

Mashed potatoes aren’t just a side—they’re a multi-use ingredient that works across dayparts. As a speed-scratch solution, Simply Potatoes^® Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes are ready to use and deliver creamy texture and comforting flavor. They pair well with a variety of flavor profiles, making them great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert.

Think mashed potatoes are just a dinner side? Think again.

• Breakfast: Serve a slice of comfort with a Baked Mashed Potato Quiche.
• Lunch: Use mashed potatoes as a thickener and flavor enhancer in soups like Potato and Lentil Soup or Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup.
• Dinner: Make them the centerpiece of a Gourmet Mashed Potato Board or even as an on-trend pizza topping, paired with hot honey and crumbled feta.
• Dessert: Refrigerated Mashed Sweet Potatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, from muffins to mousse cups.

More Than a Clever Idea

For foodservice operators, choosing a versatile ingredient like mashed potatoes isn’t just smart, it’s profitable. It helps you create a menu that guests love, while improving operational efficiency. Explore our products, recipes, and insights to make the most out of every pantry item.

Source:

¹Report Pro, 2024 Midyear Trends Report, Datassential, 2024